ADHRRF — As those in more than 20 countries like the U.S., Australia, and Canada, French groups and people from all walks of life rallied at Place Saint-Michel on September 28 in support of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and in protest of totalitarian tyranny.
In the opening speech, the sponsor En solidarité avec Hongkong, a group of Paris/Lyon-based Hongkongers, called on people to stand up to resist the authoritarian regime since a defeat in Hong Kong means that the idea of authoritarianism wins around the world.
This group also urged the European Union to give asylum to those Hongkongers who are seeking to go abroad, and hoped that Uyghur, Tibetan and Mongolian compatriots who are also suffering the persecution of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) can unite in the struggle against its atrocious dictatorial regime.
That day, French senator André Gattolin, also a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe with long commitment to defend basic human rights and freedom, attended to support this event.
Mr. Gattolin stated that he, as a French senator, has a deep interest in the issues of democracy and human rights in Asia, where the states experience rapid population growth and economic growth yet with a distinct lack of experience of democratic practice. He condemned the Chinese Communist government for its non-compliance with the “one country, two systems” principle and repeated violations of Hongkongers’ basic human rights for the sake of maintaining its dictatorship.
Julia Cornalba, the coordinator of Amnesty International France, delivered a speech at the rally to criticize the CCP’s violations of human rights in Hong Kong as well as Hong Kong police’s abuse of power, arbitrary arrest and violent attacks of protesters.
Ms. Cornalba said the CCP has been infiltrating into Hong Kong to take it under full control, and the introduction of extradition bill only represents the tip of the iceberg. Since Hong Kong’s return to China’s sovereignty, more increasingly oppressive policies have been adopted by the Hong Kong government under the impetus of Beijing. From the Umbrella Movement in 2014, Hong Kong people’s rights to freedoms of expression and association are attacked, while police are using more violent methods to “prevent violence” instead of taking any necessary measures to protect the protesters.
Christians of The Church of Almighty God (CAG) attended this rally in solidarity of Hong Kong’s fight for democracy. They fled to France because the Church grew so fast that it is perceived as a threat to the authorities and has continuously suffered from the brutal persecution at the hand of the CCP. A Christian spoke at the event that freedom, democracy and human rights are the universal values and inherent rights of every human being.
However, the CCP despises human rights and tramples on democracy and freedom, which has led to chaos and dangerous situation in Hong Kong today. The Christian also voiced her indignation that the CCP is an evil, criminal dictatorship and is the root of evilness in the world.
The event finally ended with a chant of slogans such as “Go, Hong Kong! Free Hong Kong!” “Fight for Freedom!” and “Retake Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times” led by the sponsor and echoed by protesters hand in hand.
The day of the event also marked the beginning of the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong five years ago. Federation of Asian Countries for Human Rights (The Fédération des Pays Asiatiques pour les Droits de l’Homme), Europe of Solidarity Without Borders (Europe Solidaire Sans Frontières), Association for the Defense of Human Rights and Religious Freedom (ADHRRF) and some other NGOs participated in this event.
